Chapter 314: Mysterious Enemy

Suddenly, the air seemed to be torn open by an invisible giant hand, and a ripple of twisted space rippled outward; a mysterious enemy appeared before Ao Li without any warning. He was completely cloaked in a black robe, the robe like an embodiment of night, exuding an eerie stillness that seemed able to swallow the surrounding light. Only a pair of deep eyes were visible, like two bottomless dark pools, and the cunning, treacherous look in them made Ao Li instantly alert.

Ao Li felt a sudden chill in her heart, like a cold blade on her back. Years of adventuring had given her a keen instinct for danger, and the aura emitted by this mysterious figure was stronger and more perilous than any enemy she had faced before. She hesitated not a moment, instantly assuming a combat stance; violet Nirvana Fire flared around her, its tongues of flame dancing wildly, illuminating the dark area shrouded by the Black-robed People's aura, casting her resolute face in flickering light.

Lín Jìn also sensed the intense threat; his body tensed instantly, like a poised leopard. He knew the enemy's great power, and an invisible pressure made his hands clench unconsciously, the weapon in his hand trembling slightly and emitting a low hum, as if to challenge the foe.

"Who are you? Why block our search for the truth?" Ao Li demanded loudly, her voice firm and powerful, echoing in the silent space as she tried to extract information from the other side.

The mysterious figure's mouth twitched upward, revealing a disdainful smile. "You're too naive; some truths are not within the reach of insects like you. Leave peacefully, and perhaps you'll be spared a life." His voice was deep and hoarse, as if from Nine Abyss Hell, carrying a cold murderous intent.

Ao Li snorted coldly, "We're not scared. Having come this far, we won't retreat. Show whatever skill you have!" With that, she swiftly formed seals with both hands, and the Nirvana Fire instantly transformed into a massive Fire Python that lunged at the mysterious figure. The Fire Python opened its gaping maw, radiating scorching heat as if to devour the figure completely.

The mysterious figure remained unhurried, slowly raising his hand as a black energy sphere coalesced in his palm. The sphere emitted an eerie glow, starkly contrasting with Ao Li's Nirvana Fire. When the Fire Python reached him, the figure abruptly hurled the energy sphere, which collided with the Fire Python instantly.

"Boom!" a deafening blast rang out, and the powerful energy wave radiated outward from the point of impact. Ao Li and Lín Jìn hurriedly gathered their cultivation to resist; the surrounding space trembled violently under the energy's assault, as if it might collapse at any moment.

When the smoke cleared, the Fire Python and the energy sphere had vanished. Ao Li was secretly astonished; she hadn't expected the mysterious figure's casual strike to easily nullify her attack.

Lín Jìn timed his move, his figure flashing like a black bolt of lightning as he charged at the mysterious figure. He raised his weapon high, its Sword Qi sharp, slashing toward the figure's crown. The figure tilted slightly, easily evading Lín Jìn's strike, and simultaneously thrust a palm back toward Lín Jìn's chest. Caught off guard, Lín Jìn was struck, his body flying out like a kite whose string had snapped.

"Lín Jìn!" Ao Li shouted, her heart racing with urgency and anger. She again summoned Nirvana Fire, this time the flames turning into countless sharp fire blades that rained toward the mysterious figure. Seeing this, the figure swiftly waved both hands, forming a black energy barrier in front of him; the fire blades struck the barrier, producing a "crack‑pop" sound, yet they could not breach it.

"Is that all the skill you have?" the mysterious figure sneered, his eyes full of contempt.

Ao Li clenched her teeth, understanding that the mysterious figure's power was immense; without stronger tactics, they would likely not escape today. She inhaled deeply, preparing to draw forth even greater internal strength for a life‑or‑death duel with the figure. Meanwhile, Lín Jìn struggled to rise, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze resolute as he charged at the mysterious figure once more…

The battle grew ever more intense—will Ao Li and Lín Jìn defeat this mysterious enemy and continue their search for the truth? What strategies will they devise to counter the figure's overwhelming power? Everything remains shrouded in uncertainty and suspense…